Working Classroom and The National Hispanic Cultural Center
In Collaboration with Tectonic Theater Project
Photo (left): Rebeca Mayorga
A Light in My Soul / Una Luz En Mi Alma is a visually stunning and emotionally riveting new piece created from the actual words and life stories of New Mexican conversos or crypto-Jews who trace their journeys of faith and identity to the diaspora ignited by the Inquisition. Their stories weave together a wide range of faith journeys and experiences. Some have discovered Jewish roots but
remain devoutly Catholic; others have returned to join synagogues and embrace their newly re-discovered faith, a decision provoking skepticism and outright rejection by their families and society. Still others come from families who practiced Judaism in secret for hundreds of years. What binds the people we interviewed is a deep love of New Mexico and a lasting desire to practice their faith freely and openly without fear.
Directed by
Krista DeNio
Created In Collaboration:
Amelia Ampuero, Krista DeNio, Nan Elsasser, Aaron Foster, Leigh Fondakowski, Michael Lopez, Gabriela Mayorga, Jesus Mayorga, Richard McClarkin, Marta Rodriguez, Esther Salas, Rachel Sanchez, Lissandra Tena, Sonya Tijerina, Aurin Squire
***with verbatim interview text from New Mexico Conversos, and other found text
Performed by The Working Classroom Ensemble
Set and Costume Design: Rebeca Mayorga
Sound Design: CK Barlow
Light Design: Robert Aguilar
August 15, 16, 17 National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque NM
August 23, 24 Nick Salazar Theater, Espanola NM
August 29 Ilfeld Auditorium, Las Vegas NM
Santa Fe, NM
Taos, NM